TRANMERE overcame two teams at Morecambe last night before recording their first victory under Dave Watson.

TRANMERE overcame two teams at Morecambe last night before recording their first victory under Dave Watson.

Jason Koumas capitalised on a somewhat fortuitous free-kick inside the penalty area 10 minutes from time to score the only goal of the game and deny Jim Harvey's Conference side a share of the spoils on an evening when the non-league side made 10 substitutions.

After the match Watson said: "The number of changes they made meant we played two teams out there, but our fitness held up superbly.

"Our work rate was good and I felt we could have scored more goals. The passing was better than at Altrincham and we were sharper all over the pitch.

"This performance was a bit of a lesson for the lads who played at Altrincham. It showed that if you approach the game the right way you get your reward."

Nevertheless, Rovers had to wait for that reward. Despite their possession, there were not many scoring opportunities during the hard-fought contest.

But with a more recognisable line-up in action compared to Tuesday and with Koumas, Andy Parkinson and Iain Hume in the team the attacking options were impressive.

Stuart Barlow provided the most consistent threat for Rovers. After 16 minutes the 33-year-old burst beyond Chris Lightfoot to run clear on goal but his effort was well blocked by Craig Mawson.

One of the best chances of the second half also fell to Barlow, who was denied this time by substitute 'keeper Mattie Hines after the striker had latched onto a good left wing cross from Andy Parkinson.

But by that stage, Tranmere were already ahead. With 80 minutes gone, local referee Paul Kettlewell chose to award an indirect free-kick to Rovers within the home side's penalty area when the goalkeeper gathered a mis-cued clearance from Paul McGuire.

To adjudge it an intentional back pass was harsh, but Rovers' weren't complaining. Andy Parkinson tapped the free-kick into Koumas' path and the Welsh international thundered a left-foot drive through a crowd of players and into the roof of the net.

It provided Watson with his first victory as Tranmere boss and he admitted afterwards it was something he will savour.

"I am delighted because it is my first win as a manager and you always remember that, wherever it was," he admitted.

Tranmere's next match is at Linfield on Saturday as part of the club's six day tour of Northern Ireland.

Both Alan Morgan and Wayne Allison are likely to be among the party despite missing the opening pre-season friendlies through minor injuries.

Watson also took the opportunity last night to give trialist Sada N'Diaye a second run-out after his promising display against Altrincham.

The Senegal born winger, who is no relation to Tranmere's Seyni N'Diaye, was introduced as a 64th minute substitute for Iain Hume.